Extraordinary people continue to be the foundation of our success. Our engineers, architects, and materials scientists have expertise in developing solutions for all aspects of new and existing structures.

Our team has investigated, tested, and repaired more than 125,000 projects involving almost every type of construction material, structural system, and architectural component. We’ve extended the life of countless structures, improved the construction industry's understanding of why structures fail, and formulated numerous ways in which they can be preserved.

Building on a more than sixty-year tradition of finding innovative solutions to construction-related problems, WJE recognizes the value of knowledge sharing and collaboration, not just among our employees but with our industry colleagues as well.

Our employees benefit from the opportunity to learn from their colleagues through an ongoing WJE internal education initiative that utilizes webinars to share knowledge and insights with each other. In addition, we host webinars for our clients and friends of WJE. Here we present a variety of those programs for your education.

WJE encourages its engineers, architects, and materials scientists to contribute to the ongoing dialogue of the built world through the sharing of presentations at conferences, seminars, and other educational forums. Please check back on a regular basis to see where a WJE expert will be speaking next.

WJE has developed informational websites containing general information regarding specific facade and seismic ordinances in various cities throughout the United States and California, respectively. These websites are intended for use by individuals seeking an introduction to facade and seismic ordinances.

WJE offers a career alongside the best and brightest in our industry. We work on fascinating projects. Clients worldwide seek our expertise to solve the most significant, interesting, and challenging problems of the built world. Whether you bring years of experience to the team or you are just starting your career, WJE is a great choice.

With global capabilities, WJE can respond quickly to assignments around the world. WJE's Northbrook, Illinois, campus includes our headquarters and one of the most advanced facilities anywhere for construction-related investigations, instrumentation, and research.

EUROPE

Illinois State Capitol

CLIENT

Vinci Hamp Architects

OFFICE

Springfield, IL

House Chamber Lay Light Restoration

Historically, both the House and Senate chambers included interior leaded art glass lay lights in the chamber ceiling. However, the lay lights were subsequently removed and replaced with a plaster ceiling. As part of recent interior renovations of the capitol, WJE was asked to review the structure of the House chamber ceiling and roof and to develop a design for the restoration of the lay light.

BACKGROUND

The Illinois State Capitol was constructed from 1868 to 1888 to the design of architects J. C. Cochrane, George Garnsey, and Alfred Piquenard. The primary interior spaces include a variety of elaborate decorative elements, including multiple types of marble, stenciled and gilded plaster, and leaded art glass.

SOLUTION

WJE architects and engineers developed the design of a new curved steel structural frame to support the plaster and concrete planks of the chamber ceiling at the location of the laylight opening. The team designed new light-gauge metal walls and ceiling for the "light box" enclosure in the attic. For the laylight itself, WJE designed a new stainless glazing frame and new laminated and art glass glazing panels, the design of which was based on historic photographs. The glazing design needed to combine traditional lead caming and art glass (to reproduce the original aesthetic) with laminated glass (to meet current codes) as well as include new details to diffuse the electric backlighting and to allow for future cleaning and maintenance of the laylight.

WJE's innovative design was recognized with the Illinois Capital Development Board's Executive Director's Award for Pride in Partnership and Landmarks Illinois' Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, Preservation Project of the Year.

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Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates is committed to helping our clients solve, repair, and avoid problems in the built world. Supported by unparalleled laboratory and field testing capabilities, our team of engineers, architects, and materials scientists brings an enthusiasm for problem solving and a hands-on technical approach to every challenge.

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